Arrangement for removably securing panels in a wall construction



March 7, 1967 G. VARLONGA 3,307,314

ARRANGEMENT FOR REMOVABLY SECURING PANELS IN A WALL CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 6, 1963 INVENTOR. Giovdmu Larlonga fluad 3. w

2 Sheets-Sheet z INVENTOR G-iovan 112' Dar/ nger.

/acmz/ 5? 9mm March 7, 1967 VARLONGA ARRANGEMENT FOR REMOVABLY SECURING PANELS IN A WALL CONSTRUCTION Filed May 6, 1963 a B a a a w w a "O I 1 Wm 4 J 3 1Z u m .I. a 2 f a a m 1 United States Patent Ofi ice 3,307,314 Patented Mar. 7, 1967 The present invention relates to an arrangement for removably securing panels and more specifically to arrangements in which panels are removably secured to the steel skeleton of a wall.

Wall constructions are known in which the load carrying structure of the wall is formed by a construction of steel beams or bars connected. to each other in a known manner by riveting, or otherwise, and in which the free spaces between the bars are filled with panels which may be formed from sheet metal and be of box-like construction and filled with heat insulating and sound proofing material. The proper securing of such panels to the steel construction of the building presents a plurality of difficult problems, since the panels have to be connected to the steel construction not only in a very secure manner, but also in such a way to compensate for different expansion of the steel construction and the panels, and

in such a manner that the resulting wall construction is completely weather-proof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an arrangement of properly securing panels to a steel construction of a building which satisfies the above requirements.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide for a fastening arrangement of the type' mentioned which permits fast and efiicient connection of panels to the steel construction of a building.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for such a fastening arrangement which consists of relatively few and simple parts which can be produced at reasonable cost and which will stand up under extended use.

With these objects in view, the fastening arrangement.

the first and second abutment member, first adjustable pressure means connected to the second abutment member and engaging the other edge portion of the bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to therebystress the tie means and to hold thereby the first abutment member tightly against the one edge portion of the bar, substantially U-shaped holding means extending about the second abut ment member and the tie means and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite the lateral portions of the first abutment member, and second adjustable pressure-means operatively connected to the first abutment member and the holding means for pressing the free ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of the first abutment member so that panels located between the bars and having each an edge portion between the free ends of the holding means and the lateral portion of the first abutment member may be securely clamped between the free ends of the holding means and the lateral portion of the first abutment member and thus be securely fastened to the bars.

The arrangement may include also sealing means at the portion of the panels which are engaged by the free ends of the holding means and the lateral portions of the first abutment member to provide for a perfect weather-proofed arrangement. Furthermore, the arrangement may also include cover means enclosing at least part of the U-shaped holding means and such cover means are preferably channel-shaped and removably connected to the holding means.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, to-

gether with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view through a wall construction according to the present invention taken along the line 11 of FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction 0 the arrows;

FIG. '2 is a cross sectional view of the arrangement taken along line 22 of FIGS, viewed in the direction of the arrows and with parts broken away to show the construction more clearly;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 33 of FIG. 2, viewed in the direction of the arrows and wherein some parts are broken away to show some of the details more clearly; and

FIG. 4 is a cross section similar to FIG. 1 and showing ditferent modification.

Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to FIGS. 1-3 of the same, it will be seen that FIG. 1 illustrates a substantially horizontal cross section through part of a vertical wall, and the fastening arrangement, generally designated with C, for fastening panels B to an .upright bar A forming part of the steel construc tion of the building. FIG. 1 shows only one of the bars A, but it is understood that the wall construction includes. a plurality of such upright bars A, which are connected spaced from each other in any known manner which does not form part of the present invention, and panels B are arranged between each two parallel bars and connected thereto by the fastening arrangement C. The fastening arrangement for each bar A includes a first, preferably plate-shaped abutment member 10 which abuts with a central portion thereof against one edge extends spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of the respective bar. A pair of tie means 14, 14' are provided for each bar which respectively extend on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member. Preferably the first abutment member has a pair of hook-shaped portions 12 which project substantially normal to the plate portion of the first abutment member 10 in rearward direction closely adjacent along opposite face portions of the bar A. The second abutment member 20 is preferably formed along opposite edges thereof with grooves forming hook portions 20' along these edges which face away from the hook portions 12 formed on the first abutment member 10. The tie means are preferably in the form of a pair of metal straps 14, having each opposite hooked ends 16 and 18 which respectively engage with the hooked-shaped portions 12 and 20' of the first and second abutment member and 20, respectively. The metal straps 14 are preferably bent at a central portion thereof into engagement with opposite faces of the respective bar A and each of the central portions may be formed with an elongated rib 14, best seen in FIG. 2, bent out from the material of the strip to give the same at this central portion added rigidity, whereas the outwardly bent rear and front portions of this strip will have a certain resiliency.

First adjustable pressure means are connected to the second abutment member 22 and these first adjustable pressure means are preferably in the form of a plurality of set screws 22 screwed into correspondingly threaded bores in the second abutment member 20, which are arranged spaced from each other, as best shown in FIG. 3, in a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the bar A. The set screws 22 engage with the inner ends thereof the other edge portion of the bar A for moving the second abutment member 20 away from the first abutment member 10 to stress thereby the tie means or the metal straps 14 so as to hold the first abutment member 10 tightly against the one edge portion of the bar A. The arrangement includes further substantially U-shaped holding means, which include in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-3 a U-shaped member 30 having a transverse portion 30 extending substantially parallel and spaced from the second abutment 20 and a pair of leg portions 30" extending substantially parallel to the bar A toward the first abutment member 10. The U-shaped holding means includes further a pair of angle irons 24 having each a pair of plate portions extending at right angles to each other, and one of the plate portions of each angle iron abuts with a side face thereof against the respective leg portions 30" of the U-shaped member 30, and this plate portion is formed at a free edge thereof abutting against the transverse portion 30' of the -U-shaped member 3-0 with a prong 26 extending through a slot 28 formed in the transverse portion 30' closely adjacent the respective leg portion 30". The other plate portion 25 of each angle iron extends parallel toand spaced from the respective lateral portion 10' of the first abutment member 10. The plate portions of the angle iron 24 extending parallel to the bar A may be formed with elongated depressions 24, best shown in FIG. 2, for increasing the rigidity of these plate portions.

The arrangement includes further second adjustable pressure means, preferably in the form of screws 32 extending through apertures formed in the transverse portion 30' of the U-shaped holding member 3!) and extending with the threaded portion thereof into correspondingly threaded bores formed in the second abutment member 20, as best shown in FIG. 2*. The heads of the screws 32 engage the transverse portion 30 of the U- sha ped holding member 30 and it will be evident that when the screws 32 are screwed into the threaded bores of the second abutment member 20, the plate-shaped portions 25 of the angle irons 24 will be pressed toward the lateral portion 10' of the first abutment member 10.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-3, the panels B are each formed on sides faces thereof facing the respective bar A with an outer flange B and an inner flange B projecting beyond the side face of the panel toward the respective bar. The outer flanges B of the panels are respectively located between the plate portions 25 of the U-shaped holding means and the lateral portions 10 of the first abutment member 10. Preferably sealing means 42 of compressible material are bent about the flanges B in engagement with opposite face portions thereof and to be sandwiched between the flanges B and the plate-shaped portions 25 on the one hand, and the flanges B and the lateral portions 10' of the first abutment member 10 on the other hand.

The arrangement may include further channel-shaped cover means formed of sheet metal or the like and enclosing that part of the fastening arrangement which is located inwardly of the panels B, B. The channel-shaped cover means 36 has preferably a pair of inwardly extending edge portions 38 abutting with outer surfaces thereof against the inner flanges B of the panels B, respectively, while the inner surfaces of the edge portions 38 are engaged by prongs 34 formed by portions of the plate portions of the angle iron 24 which extend along the side forms of bar A and which are resiliently bent out of these plate portions as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The panels B have a box like sheet metal shell B, on which the flanges B and B are integrally formed and the panels are preferably filled with sound proofing and heat insulating material such as rock wool or the like.

The assembly of the wall construction according to the present invention will be evident from the above description. First and second abutment members 10 and 20 are placed against opposite edge portions of each bar A and connected to each other by the tie means or straps 14. By then tightening the set screws 22 the first abutment member 10 is held tightly against the front edge portion of the respective bar A. The front flanges B of the panels B, with the sealing means 42 wrapped around these flanges, are then placed against the lateral portions 10' of the first abutment member 10 and afterwards the plate portions 25 of the U-shaped holding means are placed against the rear faces of the sealing means 42 about each of the flanges B Screws 32 are then screwed into the threaded bores in the second abutment member 20 to press thereby the plate portions 25 of the U-shaped holding means against the flanges B and the sealing means wrapped around the same so as to hold the flanges B securely between the plate-shaped portions 25 of the U-shaped holding means and the lateral portions 10' of the first abutment member 10. Finally, the channel-shaped cover means 36 are placed about the portion of the fastening arrangement extending rearwardly of the panels B in such a manner that the inwardly extending edge portions 38 of the channelshaped cover means 36 are held between the rear flanges B of the panels and the projecting prongs 34 of the U-shaped holding means.

A modification of the arrangement described above in connection with FIGS. l-3 is shown in FIG. 4 and members of this arrangement performing the same function are designated with the same reference numerals followed by the letter a. The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4 dilfers from the previously described arrangement mainly by the construction of the U-shaped holding means. The U-shaped holding means of the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 comprise a single U-shaped member 30a having a transverse portion 30a extending parallel and spaced from the second abutment member 2011 and a pair of leg portions 30a. integral with the transverse portion 300' and extending substantially parallel to the:

bar A and respectively on opposite sides thereof toward the first abutment member 10a. Thefree ends 40* of these leg portions abut against surface portions of channels formed in the inner flanges Ba of the panels- Ba. The leg portions 30a of the U-shaped holding, means are formed with rib-like outwardly extending pro-- jections and inwardly extending edge portions 38a of therchannel-sha-ped cover means 36a resiliently engage against the front portions of the projections 34a so that the vchannel-shaped cover means 36a are resiliently held against the U-shaped holding member 30a. The front flanges Ba of the panels Ba are likewise formed with grooves and the sealing means 44 sandwiched between the lateral portions 10a of the first abutment member 10a and the front flanges Ba of the panels have portions extending into these grooves.

Thev various members of the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 are assembled together substantially in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, however in this construction the lateral portions 10a of the first abutment member 10a cooperates withv the front flanges Ba of the panels whereas thefree ends of the U-shaped holding means 30a cooperate with the rear flanges Ba of the panels.

It is understood that in both embodiments illustrated the length of the tie means or straps 14 or 14a and the length of the set screws 22 or 22a has to be chosen in such a manner that the screws 32 or 32a can be properly tightened without interference between the rear ends of the set screws and the transverse portion of the U-shaped holding means.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of wall constructions ditferingfrom the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in wall construction and fastening arrangement for fastening panels to beams of the wall structure, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. i I claim; I 1. In a wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination, a first abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and ex-. tending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse 'to the other edge portion of saidbars; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and secondabutment memberi first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold'thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means extending about said second abutment member and said tie means and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; and second adjustable pressure means operatively connected to said second abutment member and said holding means for pressing said free-ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars.

2. In a 'wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted betweensaid bars, in combination, a first plate shaped abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar, said first abutment member having a pair of hook-shaped portions respectively extending along opposite face portions of said bar adjacent said one edge portion thereof; a second plate shaped abutment member'for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar and being formed along opposite edges thereof with grooves forming hook portions facing away from said hook portions of said first abutment member; a pair of metal straps for each bar respectively extending along opposite slides thereof and having each opposite hooked ends respectively engaging in said hook portions of said first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said straps and hold thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U- shaped holding means extending about said second abutment member and said straps and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite and spaced from said lateral port-ions of said first abutment member; and second adjustable pressure means operatively connected to said second abutment member and said holding means for pressing said free ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars.

3. In a wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted 'between said bars, in combination, a first plate shaped abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second plate shaped abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar, said second abutment member being formed with -a threaded bore therethrough having an axissubstantially aligned with a longitudinal plane of symmetry of said bar; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; a pressure screw threadingly engaged in said threaded bore of said'second abutment member and abutting with an end thereof against said other edge portion of the respective bar so that the distance between said second abutment member and said other edge portion may be adjusted so as to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means extending about said second abutment member and said tie means and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; and adjustable pressure means-operatively connected to said second abutment memberand said holding means for pressing said free ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of said first abutment memberso that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars. 4

' 4. In a. wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination; .a first p ate'shaped member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second plate shaped abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means having a transverse portion extending substantially parallel to and spaced from said second abutment member and a pair of leg portions extending respectively along said tie means on opposite sides of said bar and having respectively 7 a free ends respectively located opposite and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; and screw means connecting said transverse port-ion of said holding means to said second abutment member for pressing said free ends of said holding means toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars.

5. In a wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantial-1y rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination, a first plate shaped abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second plate shaped abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first. abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means having a transverse portion extending substantially parallel to and spaced from said second abutment member and a pair of leg portions extending respectively along said tie means on opposite sides of said bar and having respectively end portions substantially normal to the remainder of said leg portions and respectively extending substantially parallel to and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; and screw means connecting said transverse portion of said holding means to said second abutment member for pressing said end portions of said holding means toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said end portions of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars.

6. In a wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination, a first plate shaped abut ment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second plate shaped abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar; a pair oftie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first abutment mem-. ber tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means comprising a U-shaped member having a transverse portion extending substantially parallel to and spaced from saidsecond abutment member and a pair of leg portions extending toward said first abutment member, said transverse portion being formed closely adjacent said leg portions with a pair of slots, and a pair of angle irons each having a pair of plate portions extending at right angles to each other, one of the plate portions of each angle iron abutting with a side face thereof against the respective leg portion and having a free edge abutting against said transverse portion of said U-shaped member and being formed with a prong extending through the respective slot and the other of said plate portions of each angle iron extending parallel to and spaced from the respective lateral portions of said first abutment member; and screw means connecting said transverse portion of said holding member to said second abutment member for pressing said other plate portions toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said other plate portions and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars.

7. A wall construction as set forth in claim 6, in which each of said panels has a pair of flange portions respectively projecting from opposite side faces of said panels toward the bar located between said panels and in which said flange portions are clamped between said other plate portions and said lateral portions of said first abutment members, respectively. 1

8. A wall construction as set forth in claim 7, and including sealing means folded over free edge portions of each flange portion and pressed by said other plate portions and said lateral portions of said first abutment members respectively against opposite faces of said flange portion.

9. A wall construction as set forth in claim. 1, in which each of said panels is formed with a pair of grooves extending along side faces thereof facing a bar between said panels and in which said free end portions of said U-shaped holding means are respectively located in said grooves. v

10. A wall construction as set forth in claim 9, in which each of said panel is formed at a portion thereof abutting against one of said lateral portions of said first abutment member with an additional groove and including compressible sealing means in said additional groove.

11. In a wall construction formed by a plurality o spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination, a first abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against one edge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite'sides of said bar; a second abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means extending about said second abutment member and said tie means and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; second adjustable pressure means operatively connected to said second abutment member and said holding means for pressing said free ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member sothat panels located between said bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars; and cover means enclosing part of said U-shaped holding means spaced from the free ends thereof, said cover means being removably connected to said holding means.

12. In a Wall construction formed by a plurality of spaced substantially rectangular bars and panels fitted between said bars, in combination, a first abutment member for each bar abutting with a central portion thereof against oneedge portion of the respective bar and extending with lateral portions thereof beyond opposite sides of said bar; a second abutment member for each bar and extending spaced from and transverse to the other edge portion of said bar; a pair of tie means for each bar and respectively extending on opposite sides thereof and each connected at opposite ends thereof to the first and second abutment member; first adjustable pressure means connected to said second abutment member and engaging said other edge portion of the respective bar for moving said second abutment member away from said first abutment member to stress said tie means and hold thereby said first abutment member tightly against said one edge portion of the respective bar; substantially U-shaped holding means extending about said second abutment member and said tie means and having a pair of free end portions arranged respectively opposite and spaced from said lateral portions of said first abutment member; second adjustable pressure means operatively connected to said second abutment member and said holding means for pressing said free ends of the latter toward said lateral portions of said first abutment member so that panels located between said 10 bars and having each an edge portion between said free ends of said holding means and said lateral portions of said first abutment member may be securely clamped between the same and thus be securely fastened to said bars; channel shaped cover means enclosing part of said U- shaped holding member and having a pair of inwardly extending edge portions abutting with outer surface portions thereof respectively against face portions of said panels opposite to that engaged by said lateral portions of said first abutment member; and resilient means on said U-shaped holding means resiliently engaging inner surface portions of said inwardly extending edge portions.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. RICHARD W. COOKE, JR., Examiner. G. W. HORNADAY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A WALL CONSTRUCTION FORMED BY A PLURALITY OF SPACED SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR BARS AND PANELS FITTED BETWEEN SAID BARS, IN COMBINATION, A FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER FOR EACH BAR ABUTTING WITH A CENTRAL PORTION THEREOF AGAINST ONE EDGE PORTION OF THE RESPECTIVE BAR AND EXTENDING WITH LATERAL PORTIONS THEREOF BEYOND OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID BAR; A SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER FOR EACH BAR AND EXTENDING SPACED FROM AND TRANSVERSE TO THE OTHER EDGE PORTION OF SAID BARS; A PAIR OF TIE MEANS FOR EACH BAR AND RESPECTIVELY EXTENDING ON OPPOSITE SIDES THEREOF AND EACH CONNECTED AT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF TO THE FIRST AND SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER; FIRST ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER AND ENGAGING SAID OTHER EDGE PORTION OF THE RESPECTIVE BAR FOR MOVING SAID SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER AWAY FROM SAID FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER TO STRESS SAID TIE MEANS AND HOLD THEREBY SAID FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER TIGHTLY AGAINST SAID ONE EDGE PORTION OF THE RESPECTIVE BAR; SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPED HOLDING MEANS EXTENDING ABOUT SAID SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER AND SAID TIE MEANS AND HAVING A PAIR OF FREE END PORTIONS ARRANGED RESPECTIVELY OPPOSITE AND SPACED FROM SAID LATERAL PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER; AND SECOND ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND ABUTMENT MEMBER AND SAID HOLDING MEANS FOR PRESSING SAID FREE-ENDS OF THE LATTER TOWARD SAID LATERAL PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER SO THAT PANELS LOCATED BETWEEN SAID BARS AND HAVING EACH AN EDGE PORTION BETWEEN SAID FREE ENDS OF SAID HOLDING MEANS AND SAID LATERAL PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST ABUTMENT MEMBER MAY BE SECURELY CLAMPED BETWEEN THE SAME AND THUS BE SECURELY FASTENED TO SAID BARS. 